Outside the Box

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by WMHT Web Editor on

Watch Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 6pm on WORLD

Charter schools — free public schools funded by tax dollars — first opened in the United States 20 years ago, largely in response to low graduation rates and the failure of schools to better prepare students for higher education and the job market. Today, charter schools make up an increasing percentage of the U.S. educational landscape, with approximately 5,000 schools in 41 states.

Featuring interviews with experts, educators, parents and students, Outside the Boxoffers insights into the operation of charter schools and examines their short-term and long-term effectiveness. The documentary also explores the financial challenges of opening a charter school and examines the role of authorizers. Outside the Boxvisits several nationally recognized schools, including The Preuss School in San Diego, Christel House Academy in Indianapolis and KIPP Empower Academy in South Central Los Angeles.